A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Belfast vs. Nantes for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Belfast or Nantes?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Nantes, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Belfast

Belfast is a authentic, affordable, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife and shopping.

Nantes

Nantes is a friendly, historical, and beautiful city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Belfast and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Nantes?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nantes. Although Belfast and Nantes are roughly the same size, Nantes has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nantes is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Belfast is more popular for its big city activities. Belfast is well known for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". Nantes is well known for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens. Also, Nantes is famous for The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany.

How is Belfast different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Nantes and Belfast. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Belfast or Nantes?

Nantes is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Nantes can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Belfast or Nantes? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantes is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Nantes is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Belfast or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Nantes is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Nantes offers plenty to do in the evening. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

Is Belfast or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Nantes is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Nantes to see the historical old town. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets and shops.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Nantes?

Nantes is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Nantes is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can explore.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Belfast. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is Belfast or Nantes Better for Families?

Nantes is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Nantes is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's filled with gardens, museums, and theme parks, making it a great combination of fascinating activities for adults and kids alike. Some of the top kid-friendly activities include a visit to Machine of the Isle of Nantes (both a theme park and a museum), seeing a show at Le Lieu Unique, or experiencing Naudières Park (a smaller theme park). Kids will also enjoy seeing Goulaine Castle or wandering around Jardin Extraordinaire or the Botanical Gardens.

Belfast is a family-friendly city. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

Is Belfast or Nantes Better for Couples?

Nantes is a well-known place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Nantes is a very popular place to visit for couples. There is a mix of both natural and historical beauty. Couples can enjoy a nice meal, stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, or even spend the day at the spa.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Belfast or Nantes Better for Students?

Belfast and Nantes are both notable destinations for students and younger travelers.

Belfast is a good city to visit for students. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

Plenty of students visit Nantes. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

Is Belfast or Nantes Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nantes is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Nantes. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Belfast or Nantes a more walkable city?

Nantes is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Nantes is very walkable. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

For even more information, also check out Is Belfast Worth Visiting? and Is Nantes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Nantes?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Belfast and Nantes. In our opinion, Nantes has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Nantes than Belfast. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Belfast, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nantes.

Families should spend more time in Nantes than Belfast. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Nantes, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Nantes than Belfast. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Nantes that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nantes than Belfast if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Nantes.

One day in Belfast or Nantes?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Belfast. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Nantes, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Belfast or Nantes?

Belfast is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Nantes, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nantes has to offer.

Five days in Belfast or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Belfast. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Nantes is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Belfast or Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the authentic destination of Belfast. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantes. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nantes. One reason most visitors come is for the food. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Belfast and Nantes, we can see that Belfast is more expensive. And not only is Nantes much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nantes would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nantes and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Belfast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Belfast than you might in Nantes.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Belfast Expensive? and Is Nantes Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Nantes?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Belfast and Nantes, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Belfast or Nantes?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Belfast or Nantes in the Summer?

Both Nantes and Belfast during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Belfast because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

In July, Belfast is generally cooler than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 15°C (59°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In Nantes, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in July than Nantes. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Nantes in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Nantes. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Belfast this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantes for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Belfast is cooler than Nantes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during autumn. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Belfast usually receives more rain than Nantes. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Belfast or Nantes in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Nantes. Many travelers come to Belfast for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Nantes in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Belfast. In the winter, Belfast is cooler than Nantes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Belfast in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Nantes averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets less rain in January than Nantes. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Nantes in the Spring?

Both Nantes and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Belfast in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Nantes for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Belfast is generally cooler than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 8°C (46°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during spring. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Belfast usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nantes. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Belfast